If you are about to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure, you are most probably anxious as to the outcome. Of course, this is going to be a new you, so there is every reason to wonder how you will look, post-op. One thing is for sure, rhinoplasty recovery is not as bad as most people believe it to be. The downtime following this procedure depends on the rhinoplasty technique that was used, such as open or closed surgery, if the nasal bones were broken, and if there had been any work done on the tip. Swelling will often be longer on open surgery patients, and if the nose was broken then bruising and swelling will also be more prevalent. So, it’s helpful if you get yourself prepared and set up for your recovery. Read our article on how to ensue your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Make Sure You Have Enough Recovery Time
Most patients believe they don’t require the standard one to two weeks recovery time that is recommended by their surgeon. However, your body will still need rest as it has undergone stress and needs time for healing and recovery. It is important that you block of at least 10 days for your recovery time, as this will ensure that you are properly recuperated. When you feel you are ready to start completing your normal daily tasks, then do so but do is slowly; there is no need to rush in. Don’t forget, your face will be quite bruised in the first few weeks, and you might not feel ready to take on the world yet.
Always Take Your Medication
Some patients feel it is totally acceptable to miss their medications and suffer through any pain in silence, but this isn’t necessary. There is a reason why your doctor has given them to you. Make sure you stick to the set amount, over the correct time period as this will not only ease any pain, it will also help you in your recovery. Just make sure you do not overdo the recommended dosage.
Make A Recovery Area
Of course, post-surgery you will not be able to go about your normal routines, so make sure you have a designated recovery area for rest and comfort. Find yourself an easy chair, with good pillows, as you will need to sleep with your head elevated, to begin with. This helps your body reduce the swelling and stops the nose form shifting. Have plenty of ice packs, frozen, and at hand to help ease the swelling, while you should ensure you know where your pain killers are at all time.
Plan For Your Meals
Sometimes when we are not feeling one hundred percent, we forget, or can’t be bothered to make ourselves any meals. The best way to counter this is to ensure you have plenty of pre-prepared and nutritious meals frozen that are ready to be put into a microwave. You can cook up batches of your favorite dinners prior to the operation, ready to be eaten when you are not feeling so great.
The main point to remember is to always follow your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative advice. You will be handed everything required for the procedure to be a success, but you still have to care for your nose at the end of the day.